Tissue tensioner assembly and approximation mechanism for surgical stapling device

Abstract

A surgical stapling device having an approximation mechanism for treating hollow tissue organs is provided. The stapling device includes a handle, a body portion extending distally from the handle, a distal head portion at a distal end of the body portion, and an approximation mechanism. The head portion includes an anvil assembly having an anvil head and an anvil shaft. The approximation mechanism includes a rotatable approximation knob, a first member, and a second member. The rotatable approximation knob is operably connected to the first member to effect movement the first member over a first distance. The second member is rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the anvil shaft of the anvil assembly to operably connect the anvil shaft to the first member such that movement of the first member over the first distance effects movement of the anvil shaft in relation to the first member over a second distance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a divisional application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 081,373, filed Mar. 16, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 554,556, filed Mar. 19, 2004 and from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 554,562, filed Mar. 19, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical stapling device for treating hollow tissue organs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling device having an approximation mechanism.[0004]2. Background of the Related Art[0005]Anastomosis is the surgical joining of separate hollow organ sections. Typically, an anastomosis procedure follows surgery in which a diseased or defective section of hollow tissue is removed and the remaining end sections are joined. Depending on the desired anastomosis proce...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Despite its success and the overall acceptance of its many benefits, the use of circular anastomosis staplers presents a number of challenges.

In particular, due to the close proximity of anvil head to the staple holding component, visibility of access to the surgical site is limited, especially during procedures for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Moreover, during approximation of the anvil head and staple holding component of the surgical stapling device, it is sometimes difficult to properly position tissue to be removed within the staple holding component of the surgical stapling device.

This may result in malformed staples and / or ineffective removal of all the desired tissue.

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